Youth Participation in Bielefeld: Structures, Debates, and Future Perspectives

Youth Participation in Bielefeld: Structures, Debates, and Future Perspectives

In Bielefeld, youth participation in political and societal processes is not just a theoretical concept but a vibrant part of municipal work. In April 2026, several important meetings took place that shaped the structure, funding, and future of youth participation in the city. The focus was on the Children and Youth Council (KiJuRat) and the Youth Welfare Committee, which agreed on both structural and content-related adjustments.

Structural Adjustments in the Children and Youth Council

Over the past few years, the KiJuRat has established itself as a central contact for youth policy topics. In April 2026, a 1st Amendment Ordinance to the KiJuRat's statutes was passed. This brings significant changes:

• Reduction in the number of members: The number of voting members is reduced from 26 to 22. Previously, the council consisted of 20 directly elected members, four from the Open Youth Work (OKJA) and two members appointed by the District Pupil Representatives (BSV).
• Reorientation of the delegate structure: Two members from the OKJA will now be directly elected instead of appointed. This strengthens the democratic foundation and increases youth responsibility for their representation.
• Participation in committees: The KiJuRat continues to appoint one representative and one deputy representative with an advisory vote for the Youth Welfare Committee and the School and Sports Committee. This amendment underlines the growing relevance of youth participation in Bielefeld.

The administration also presented a report on the work of the KiJuRat, including the results of a member survey. The evaluation shows that the delegate structure works well, but also indicates room for a broader, more direct, or more flexible form of participation. Many young people would participate even without a formal role – a sign that participation formats need to be further diversified.

Youth Welfare Committee: Funding, Projects, and Perspectives

The Youth Welfare Committee, the central body for youth policy decisions in Bielefeld, passed several important topics in April 2026. These included:

• Funding for Family Centers: The voluntary municipal funding for Family Centers will be discontinued as of December 31, 2025. The funds will instead be used for projects in LGBTQ+ youth work and the rent for a new stationary offer of Open Youth Work ("Mobi Nord"). This reflects a redistribution of resources to support particularly disadvantaged youth more effectively.
• Support for Open Youth Work: There is a goal to create a permanent location for the mobile OKJA on Vilsendorfer Straße. Funding for this will either come from cuts in the OKJA budget or through an increased deficit. The current trailer is considered temporary and will be replaced by better infrastructure.
• New Projects and Initiatives: The committee also approved the funding for the "Bielefeld Night of Professions" and the "Career Information Fair (BiB Startklar)". Both formats are among the most important career orientation offers in the city. The "Night of Professions" attracted over 1,400 young people last year, while "BiB Startklar" reached 2,000 participants.

In addition, the recognition of Falken Bielefeld for Children and Youth e.V. as a provider of free youth welfare was approved. The association is a new legal successor of the "Verein zur Förderung der Jugendarbeit e.V." and will be active in projects of Open Youth Work, in youth centers, and in summer holiday programs.

Democratic Education and Self-Efficacy

A central aspect of the work of the KiJuRat is the strengthening of democratic participation. Young people reported that they have gained confidence, better understand political processes, and are now able to actively influence them. Topics such as racism, children's rights, and climate protection were in the foreground. The administration emphasizes that the support provided by the administration enriches the KiJuRat and assists new members during their induction.

Adults in the Youth Welfare Committee were impressed by the self-efficacy of the young people. In particular, the experiences in the election process, in panel discussions, and in shaping political debates were highlighted.

Outlook: What's Coming Next?

In the coming months, several important topics will be addressed:

• Changes in the Child Care Act (KiBiz): Starting August 1, 2027, there will be new regulations for the funding of child day care. The municipality will need to develop new structures to manage the financial implications.
• Further development of REGE projects: The REGE GmbH (Regional Development and Health) will continue to develop its youth work projects, including nutrition education in daycare centers.
• Digitalization in daycare centers: A digital concept for all daycare facilities will be presented, which could lead to greater transparency and efficiency.

Overall, Bielefeld is on a good path to establishing youth participation as a fixed part of municipal policy. The adjustments in the KiJuRat and the financial decisions in the Youth Welfare Committee show that the city is ready to take youth policy topics seriously and to include them in future perspectives.